Violin, Viola, Cello & String Bass Bows

Violin, Viola, Cello and String Bass Bows

Bows are a challenging item for parents. It is harder to see the value in a fine bow, if you do not play a string instrument yourself. Just as instruments increase in price due to quality of construction and materials, so do bows.

It is simply more difficult for someone who does not play to understand the need for a well balanced bow. After all, one stick of wood often doesn't look much different from another. In fact, to some extent, bow makers cannot determine the quality of the bow they are making until it is finished. Until a bow is played, it is difficult to determine what subtle characteristics the wood will have. Out of the same tree, bows of distinctly varying qualities will be made by the same bow maker.

Fine wood bows sought by professional musicians can easily cost $25,000. This is not to say that an excellent bow cannot be found for less, they can. It is, however, unrealistic to expect a professional musician to play with a poorly balanced bow. Good student wood bows can be purchased for under $1000.00. One reason wood bows are costly is the difficulty of procuring good quality, well seasoned wood. Because of this constant dilemma for bow makers, some have looked into the composite materials such as fiberglass and graphite.

Some commercial bows available today using the composite materials are Codabow, Berg bows, Durro bows, Jean Tabary and Glasser. These bows offer a consistent feel and sound for the student and professional player. Musicians are able to spend less time working around a bows' personal characteristics and are able to focus more on their music. Some of these bows can be set up and weighted according to a performers specifications.

Some teachers prefer that a student learn to work with the feel of a wood bow. Some prefer their students to purchase the best bow (wood or composite) they can afford. Generally, the composite bows are less expensive than a comparable wood bow.

With prices of wood bows increasing so dramatically in the last decade, composite bows make a good choice (or alternative) for many people. Many professionals who have tried the composite bows, use them as a primary and/or backup bow. It is not uncommon for a professional string player to have 4 or more bows that they use consistently. Depending upon the piece they are playing, the choice of bow may change.

We recommend that you try several bows and compare them. We offer the opportunity for musicians to schedule a time in a private practice room to try out bows with their own instrument. That is usually the best way to determine the bow that is best for your style of playing.

Mike's Music currently stocks wood bows as well as the following composite bows: Codabow (student line starts at $125.00), Durro bows (starting at $300.00), Jean Tabary student bows (starting at $65.00) and Glasser student bows (starting at $49.00). Even the professional lines of the composite bows we carry are generally under $1000.

Go to Composite bow page

Go to Wood bow page

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